Mobile network operator MTN has announced the availability of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service from 13 September 2018.

In a statement the company explained the service, marketed as High Definition Voice (HD Voice), will be available to selected smartphones and introduced in a two-phased approach.

The first phase, beginning September 2018, will onboard Samsung S8 & S8+, Huawei P20 Lite, Sony Xperia XZ2 and CAT S61 users. The second phase will be rolled out from October "and will enable more smartphone users to access the HD Voice service."

The company added that it will update the public "in due course" on when other smartphone brands and models can access the service.

"The rollout of the HD Voice service is part of our ongoing commitment to transform customer experience and improve the quality of their interaction with our network. With the introduction of this service, we hope that our customers will reap the benefits of the investment MTN has put in over the years to build a world-class, Bozza network that is second to none in South Africa," said Jacqui O'Sullivan, Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN SA.

According to the operator, customers using the HD voice service "will benefit from voice calls in clear, natural-sounding HD Voice on MTN's LTE network, coupled with a faster call connection time."

To enable the HD voice service, customers are required to update their smartphones with the latest software made available by their smartphone manufacturer, said MTN.

"Once they accept the software update, their smartphone will automatically be enabled with this service. Customers will benefit from a complementary 1GB data that can be used for the software update. Once completed, the device will be enabled and HD Voice calls will be billed according to normal price plan rates," the company added.

MTN confirmed that they require testing with prospective OEMs prior to confirming which devices will be linked up to the service.